Distributed Base Station BBU and RFU Separation for Capacity Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional base station systems face challenges with large size, high cost, and inflexible capacity expansion, particularly in macro base stations, which require significant space and installation efforts, while mini base stations have limited capacity and complex networking requirements.
Innovation Solution
A distributed base station system separates the base band unit (BBU) and Radio Frequency unit (RFU), connecting them via high-speed digital interfaces for flexible capacity expansion and networking, allowing for independent installation of BBUs in standard cabinets and enabling various networking topologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If macro base station components are placed in one cabinet to support large capacity, then the base station capacity is improved, but the size and weight increase requiring special installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The base station is divided into two independent parts: Base Band Units (BBUs) and Radio Frequency Units (RRUs). BBUs contain base band signal processing components and can be installed in standard cabinets, while RRUs contain RF components and can be distributed nearby. This segmentation allows capacity to be scaled by adding BBUs without proportionally increasing installation space requirements.
2Ease of operation
If mini base station size is reduced for easy installation, then installation ease is improved, but the capacity is limited to support only 1-3 sectors
Solution Approach 1:
By separating BBUs from RRUs, the system allows RRUs to remain small and easy to install while BBUs provide scalable capacity. Multiple BBUs can be connected to support more sectors, effectively increasing capacity without compromising installation ease of the distributed RRUs.
Solution Approach 2:
The BBU design incorporates universal interfaces and modular architectures that can support multiple sectors and configurations. A single BBU can serve multiple RRUs, and multiple BBUs can be combined to support larger numbers of sectors, making the system adaptable to various capacity requirements while maintaining installation simplicity.
3Quantity of substance
If macro base station capacity is expanded by adding single boards, then the capacity is improved, but the backup cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The BBU is designed as a modular unit with integrated backup capabilities. Instead of adding separate backup boards to an existing system, the segmented BBU architecture allows backup functionality to be built into each modular unit, simplifying the overall system while maintaining capacity expansion flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Backup functionality is merged into the BBU modular architecture itself rather than being separate add-on components. This integration reduces system complexity by consolidating capacity expansion and backup functions within the standardized modular BBU units.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a distributed base station system as well as its networking method and base band unit. In this system, the base band unit (BBU) and RF unit (RFU) of the base station are separated, and the RFU is equipped with base band RF interfaces for interconnecting the BBU and transmitting data information, thereby forming the base station. Based on the separation of the BBU from the RFU, the BBU capacity is further divided at the same time, and every unit is also arranged independently. The BBU networking and capacity expansion may be achieved with capacity expansion interfaces and base band RF interfaces provided by BBU interface units in flexible and convenient ways.